The apology
I haven’t been here much lately. And I’m sorry. I truly am.
To back up… you know I started a new job a while back, etc. etc. And you have been really patient with me as I’ve been figuring out my new life. Because sometimes that takes… well, time. Right? And that’s meant I’ve had less time to devote to anything unrelated to work.
Image: Dave Keeshan via Flickr, CC 2.0
But the thing is… I love WUL. I am so grateful for my guest bloggers, those that are in it for the long haul, as well as those that come and go… and I am so grateful for all of you – the community that has gathered around what started out on the wing of a prayer (if that!).
And I’ve felt very guilty about being incognito on my own blog, and with you.
This is going to change. It won’t be perfect immediately, but it will change. And I am so grateful to all of you who are hanging in there with me.
Thank you so much. And I hope you’ll accept my apology.
The wish
Last week, Indians around the world celebrated Diwali, aka the Hindu festival of lights. We Indians love stories, so it’s only fitting that there are at least five versions of the Diwali story. And they all revolve around celebration, Good vanquishing Evil, or some iteration thereof.
Image: Rameshng via Flickr, CC 2.0
Since I left India more than 12 years ago (!) I haven’t really been able to celebrate Diwali the way I used to. But I still get nostalgic over it and think the lighting of diyas (earthen lamps) at the entrance of one’s home, to guide the Goddess of Prosperity in, is a lovely tradition.
(And I get misty-eyed that though I was traveling for work, my husband lit a few diyas that night in front of our home, so that I could celebrate it in abstentia.)
As we move into the Thanksgiving holiday this week, I wish you the blessing of being home with your loved ones, the warmth that comes from being around what you know, and the courage that gives one to go forth and do courageous things.
The adventure
Some weeks ago, completely out of the blue, I was recommended as a speaker for a TEDx.
Yes, you read that right. A TEDx.
A TEDXXXXXXXXXXXX!!!!!
God bless you, Maddie Grant.
Image: Kamath Residency Adventure Resort via Flickr, CC 2.0
To me, TED events are the pinnacle of creative inspiration. Where you go to be inspired, and come away from thinking you can change the world. As of yet I’ve never attended “the” TED, but I subscribe to the blog, watch the videos, etc. And I’ve watched, with wide eyes, as friends of mine have been involved in the organization of the X’s thereof.
Because just being a part of those is PDFC (and you can ask Davina Brewer to figure that one out for you).
Here is how much I’m in awe of the TEDs (and X’s thereof): when I was approached to speak, I almost said, “No.”
Because I thought – who on earth would want to see me at a TED … or “X” thereof?
But I realized this would be a very stupid thing to do.
So I’m speaking at TEDxAdamsMorganWomen on December 1 – just a couple of weeks from today.
I am so nervous. But, oh my goodness, what an adventure!
If you’ll be in the DC area that day, I’d love you to come out; and if you’re not but have friends who will be, do share with them. And if you use the code TEDXWOMEN when purchasing your ticket(s), you’ll get them for $30… but only if you do it by Monday (tomorrow), and by 12 pm.
***
We have some cool stuff coming up on WUL this week (and then we’ll take a bit of a break for T-Day and be back next week).
So thank you for hanging in there. The best is yet to come.
As we go into the holiday season, what are your wishes? Is there an adventure you are embarking upon? Do share, we’d love to know.
[…] An Apology, A Wish and An Adventure (waxingunlyrical.com) […]
Hi Shonali,
That TED gig sounds great. I am really excited for you.
@shellykramer Thank you for sharing!
@rachaelseda @davesnape @susan_silver Many thanks for sharing!
@shonali @rachaelseda @davesnape My pleasure Shonali
Ahhh congrats on TEDx! That’s awesome. Lots of adventures in your future ;)
Oh wow, congratulations on the TEDx! That is an adventure. I am sure your experience with Jill and Ignite will be invaluable. Congratulations!
@kdillabough @michaelbowers @kmueller62 @netsolcares @lisapetrilli @webdotcom Thanks so much for sharing!
@tomtrabue @MattLaCasse @chattyprof @leaderswest @gailtrishgentry @brucesallan @grotraffic Thanks much for sharing!
@shonali You know it. I promise to write for #WUL soon! cc @tomtrabue @chattyprof @leaderswest @gailtrishgentry @brucesallan @grotraffic
@mattlacasse Yes, you’re long overdue, my friend. ;p But you have a good excuse!
@shonali And a very cute one, at that. She was very giggly and smiley this morning. Makes Monday much easier!
@jocmbarnett Yes you do! And thank you for sharing. :)
Ha! I’ll do my very best, @shonali. Will pass the word to the staffers in the DC area too! ;-)
@amitv_tweets @willrobertsusa @wonderoftech @jannashay @arkarthick Thanks so much for sharing!
@shonali You’re welcome! and… All the best :)
@jasonkonopinski I love the way you prefaced that!
@shonali <3
I’ll bet that I convince @geoffliving to come with me and heckle. Merely stating. :D
Congrats my friend, that is pretty darn freakin cool.. or something like that. :) I too am a TED fan, would that I had more time for the videos, blogs. Huge Jack Sparrow-esque feather in your cap and I’m sure you’ll do great. And as for the apology, accepted – only if you accept mine. Maybe 2013 we’ll both get our blog houses back in order. FWIW.
3HatsComm Thank you and yes, something like that. :) Yes, I accept your apology too – though you didn’t need to give one. With people like you, kellyecrane , mdbarber , KDillabough … and really, so many! – we may go days, weeks, months without “talking,” but you’re very much in my consciousness. Because you’re my friends – real friends. And I’m very grateful that you are.
This is soooooo exciting! I’d give anything to be nearby and come see you. I know you’ll do great, can you tell us your topic?
As for my wishes….well, I’m just busy planning for 2013 and laying the foundation for a business I’m very excited about. :)
Lisa Gerber So the topic is “the space between.” Cool, huh? Everyone gets to make of that what they will, and I’m going to tell at least one, maybe up to three, personal stories… not sure if I will tie it back to social media necessarily, but I might. I’m going to work on it over the Thanksgiving break.
I’m VERY excited for you too! You will do GREAT!
@Shonali Lisa Gerber really fun topic. Leaves lots of room for imagination, creativity. :)
What an inspired choice! I wish I were in DC to see it in person, Shonali! Congratulations!
leaderswest I was SO scared when they called! But then I thought, this is an opportunity of a lifetime, I can’t pass it up. So while I’m still scared, I’m really excited too. Thank you, Jim!
The best is already here: your posts and guest posts are always top drawer. Big congrats on the TEDx gig! Cheers! Kaarina
KDillabough That is such a nice thing to say, Kaarina – thank you! Truly, people like kirkhazlett mrdancohen @erinmfeldman and ALL the guest bloggers, past and present, keep WUL going. I’m so privileged to have them publish here. And for you to stop by when you are so busy – thank you!